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Terror threat leads to new airline carry-on rules

Thursday, August 10, 2006

(8/10/06) -- Security measures in place Thursday at U.S. airports in response to a thwarted terror plot in Britain.

No liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry-on baggage. Items must be in checked baggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, contact lens solution and other items of similar consistency. Makeup items such as concealer, liquid eyeliner and lip gloss are also not permitted in carry-on bags.

Exceptions are baby formula, breast milk or juice if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passengers ticket and boarding pass; and insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines

Beverages purchased in terminal areas within security checkpoints must be consumed or discarded before boarding because they will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.

Electronics are being subjected to a more careful scrutiny than usual.

Passengers can expect additional screening at the gates in the coming days. Passengers traveling from the U.K. to the U.S. will be subject to a more extensive screening process.

Following Thursday morning's police operation, the Department for Transport has asked all UK airports to apply additional security measures designed to ensure passenger safety.

Hand baggage restrictions:
These measures will prevent passengers from carrying hand luggage into the cabin of an aircraft with the following excepts (which must be placed in a plastic bag):

pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags);
travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g. diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
for those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and
sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
keys (but no electrical key fobs)

All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be x-ray screened. Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger.

Pushchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point. In addition to the above, all passengers boarding flights to the USA and all the items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, must be subjected to secondary search at the boarding gate. Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger.

Source: BAA.com

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